The tastiest hotspots in Bruges
February 17, 2022
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With these tips for Belgian Limburg, you will make the most of your visit to this beautiful region. Be surprised by the local gastronomy during a visit to one of the wine estates and many fun hotspots, but be sure to also immerse yourself in the beautiful nature. You will find in Belgian Limburg 1 of the 4 national parks that are Belgium rich. Discover Belgian Limburg using my personal tips!
1. Go hiking in Hoge Kempen National Park
Unlike the Netherlands, which has 21 national parks, the Hoge Kempen National Park was Belgium's only national park until recently, so now Belgium has 4 national parks. Hike the trails of the Hoge Kempen national park, learn about the region's mining past and climb the terrils. These are mountains made of the rock from the mines. Since 2021, there has been a long-distance hike to do. It is also called the National Park Trail, which consists of several stages and is 110 kilometers long in total.
2. Explore Negenoord-Kerkeweerd nature reserve.
We visited the Negenoord-Kerkeweerd nature reserve under the guidance of a Meuse explorer, so I'm sure you understand that this was a very informative visit. You walk here on trails or through the so-called "struing areas. These are places where there are no paths, unless they have been made by the Konik horses and Galloway cattle. On the Dilsen-Stokkem side, you will find a watchtower made of steam clay. From the top you have a beautiful view of the nature plains.
3. Rent a bike and explore the Meuse Route
Cycling through Belgium is incredibly fun to do, as I experienced before during a beautiful bicycle route along the Scheldt. So again, a bike ride could not be missed. And what a ride it was! About 90 kilometers of the Meuse route runs through Belgian Limburg. If you follow the route you pass the nicest places, both along the Meuse and in the towns around it.
4. Enjoy lunch at Sjeiven Dorpel
If you are biking the Meuse Route and looking for a nice place to have lunch, Sjeiven Dorpel is a good tip. It is a cozy place to catch your breath and enjoy local delicacies. Try specialties like the croque and mussels, and chat with the friendly service to learn more about the food culture of Belgian Limburg.
5. Do a wine tasting
Do you prefer an activity that is a little less sporty? Then visit one of the wine domains in Belgian Limburg and be surprised by delicious wines. At Wijndomein Thilesna you will meet Johan, the passionate owner, who will tell you all about his vineyards, picking techniques and, of course, his favorite wine. My favorite was the Riesling, an absolute must.
At Wijndomein Aldeneyck you can take a guided tour. If you are accompanied by Lieve then you are in the right hands, as she has been giving tours for 17 years. She tells you exactly how to taste wine properly and also lets you taste the difference between wines aged in stainless steel barrels and oak barrels. My favorite wine at this winery was the Pinot Gris Barrique, a fuller oak-aged white wine.
6. Visit Maasmechelen Village
Maasmechelen Village is an incredibly fun place to go shopping in Belgian Limburg. With more than 100 stores, there is something for everyone. The advantage is that the prices here are up to 60% lower than the recommended retail prices, which is of course a nice bonus. Shopped out? Then head to one of the four restaurants for lunch or dinner. One nice spot is Italian hotspot Giuliano. They serve delicious pastas, pizzas and salads here. The open pizza kitchen and bar create a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
7. Stay overnight at one of these beautiful locations
In Belgian Limburg you will find some great locations to stay overnight. These are my tips:
Hotel Terhills
A good base from which to explore Belgian Limburg is from the Terhills area, with an overnight stay in Hotel Terhills can definitely recommend to you. Not only can you stay comfortably in this fairy-tale hotel with Versaille-like gardens, but you can also walk right here to Maasmechelen Village and the Hoge Kempen National Park.
Center Parcs Terhills
At this new, luxury park of Center Parcs you'll find everything your heart (and your family's) desires. From your own boat to renting a pedal boat, from mini-golf to a beach on your doorstep. This park offers all kinds of things to keep you entertained. A self-driving shuttle bus will take you right to the entrance of the Hoge Kempen National Park, so you can also combine your luxury stay with an active hiking trip.
Tip: At this Center Parcs park you will find the Terland restaurant located by the water. Enjoy good food and a beautiful view here.
Spending the night on a camping raft
Why not try something different? Spend the night on a camping raft and fall asleep with the soothing sound of rippling water all around you. Enjoy breakfast on the raft while you are in the middle of nature. Availability and prices can be found at the Visit Dilsen-Stokkem website.
By train to Belgian Limburg
If visiting Belgian Limburg is on your bucket list consider traveling by train. This is because the region is very easily accessible from the Netherlands. To explore Belgian Limburg, you can get off at the train stations of Maastricht and Genk. Check rates and travel times at the NS International website.
Find nature in Belgium: the Belgian Ardennes
Are you a fan of nature, unusual accommodations and culinary hotspots in Belgian Limburg? Then the Belgian Ardennes are a wonderful next destination. Here you will find vast forests, hills, rivers and countless hiking trails. Great for a relaxing weekend in the middle of nature. Plan your weekend away using our travel tips for the Belgian Ardennes: great hiking trails, unique places to sleep and the most beautiful villages.
Tessa Knijnenburg
Always traveling, always on the go. I love Rotterdam and everything this city has to offer in terms of hotspots! My friends go crazy with me because I want to drag them everywhere, so you can understand how happy I am to make new discoveries for Travander. I am always eager to have new adventures and share my enthusiasm with you. Rotterdam, and maybe even the whole world, is about to be rediscovered through my eyes!
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